Web-enabled system and method for designing and manufacturing bar code scanners

ABSTRACT

An Internet enabled method and system ( 1 ) for designing, and manufacturing laser scanners of modular design and construction ( 231 ) using globally based information networks ( 3 ), such as the Internet, supporting the World Wide Web (www).

RELATED CASES

This Application is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 09/571,263filed May 15, 2000, now U.S. Pat No. 6,540,140; which is a continuationof application Ser. No. 09/319,684 filed Jun. 9, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No.6,182,897; which is a National Phase Entry Application of InternationalApplication PCT/US98/09692 filed May 12, 1998; which is aContinuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/854,832filed May 12, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,085,978.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates generally to laser scanners of modulardesign and construction, and more particularly to a novel method andsystem for designing and manufacturing the same using globally-basedinformation networks, such as the Internet, supporting the World WideWeb (WWW).

2. Brief Description of the Prior Art

Laser bar code scanners are used in many fields of endeavor for diversepurposes, namely: data entry; automatic product/object detection;information retrieval; and the like.

Typically, laser bar code scanning systems are acquired by end-usersonly after the scanning requirements of their applications have beendetermined. In most instances, bar code scanning requirements arespecified by: the resolution of the smallest bar code expected to bescanned; the speed at which bar codes are expected to move within thescanning field (or volume); the depth of the scanning field (or volume)required by the application; and the dimensions of the scanning field(or volume) required by the application.

Once the scanning requirements have been specified for the applicationat hand, the end-user can then either: (1) find a manufacturer whichsells a laser scanning system that satisfies the specified scanningrequirements; or (2) find a manufacturer willing to custom manufacture alaser scanning system that satisfies the specified scanning requirementsand in quantities required by the end-user.

While such methods of laser scanner procurement have been adopted byvirtually all end-users, such methods suffer from a number ofshortcomings and drawbacks.

In particular, the first method of scanner procurement typically resultsin the end-user acquiring a laser scanning system that is non-optimallymatched to the end-user specified scanning requirements in terms of bothcost and performance.

The second method of scanner procurement is typically available to onlythose end-users who are in a position to purchase large quantities of aparticular scanner design. Consequently, for end-users having smallpurchase order requirements, the first method of scanner procurement istypically the only method available to such customers.

Thus, there is a great need in the laser scanning art for an improvedmethod and system of designing, constructing and deliveringcustom-configured laser scanning systems to end-users, while avoidingthe shortcomings and drawbacks of prior art systems and methodologies.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, a primary object of the present invention is to provide animproved method and system of designing, constructing and deliveringcustom-configured laser scanning systems to end-users, while avoidingthe shortcomings and drawbacks of prior art systems and methodologies.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a novel methodfor designing and manufacturing laser scanners using end-user specifiedscanning requirements and modularized subcomponents and subassemblies.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a novel systemfor designing and manufacturing laser scanners using end-user specifiedscanning requirements and modularized subcomponents and subassemblies.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a Internet (i.e.Web) enabled system for designing, manufacturing and deliveringcustom-designed laser scanners of modularized design and construction.

A further object of the present invention is to provide such aWeb-enabled system, wherein end-users desiring to purchase a laserscanning system for a particular application (1) transmit their end-userscanning requirements to a Scanner Design/Manufacturing Website, duringan interactive procedure using a conventional Web browser program, andin response thereto, the system (2) assigns a unique customer requestnumber to the input scanner requirements, (3) computes a price quotation(based thereon), and thereafter (4) transmits the same back to an e-mailaddress specified by the end-user (customer).

A further object of the present invention is to provide such aWeb-enabled system, wherein an electronic commerce server, supportingsecured credit-card transactions and the like, enables (1) themanufacturer to confirm the user-specified scanning system on which aparticular quote was transmitted, (2) the customer (e.g. end-user,value-added reseller, etc.) to electronically place a purchase order onthe particular system, and thereafter (3) the customer to track theprogress of the ordered system during its various stages of manufacture(via a Web-site) maintained by the manufacturer.

A further object of the present invention is to provide such aWeb-enabled system, wherein end-user scanning requirements are satisfiedby a holographic laser scanning system design comprising modularizedsubcomponents and subassemblies.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a novelholographic laser scanning system comprised of modularized subcomponentsand subassemblies custom manufactured and/or configured using theglobally-extensive system of the present invention.

These and other objects of the present invention will become apparenthereinafter and in the claims to Invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to more fully understand the objects of the present invention,the following Detailed Description of the Best Mode Embodiments of thePresent Invention should be read in conjunction with the accompanyingFigure Drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation illustrating the high-leveloperations carried out by the Web-enabled system and method of laserscanner design, manufacture and delivery in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the Web-enabled system fordesigning, manufacturing and delivering custom-built laser scanners inaccordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a method of designing, manufacturing and deliveringcustom-built laser scanners in accordance with the principles of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective, partially cut-away view of an illustrativeembodiment of a holographic scanning system constructed in accordancewith the principles of the present invention, shown with its housing andthe light detector support structure removed from its optical bench inorder to reveal the modular design thereof exhibited by its holographicscanning disc, beam folding mirrors, laser beam production modules,analog/digital signal processing boards, and other structures otherwisehidden by the housing and the light detector support structure of thesystem;

FIG. 5 is an exploded schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of amodularized holographic laser scanning system designed and beingconstructed according to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a high level flow chart illustrating the stages of designingand manufacturing modularized holographic laser scanners according tothe principles of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a more detailed schematic diagram of a Web-enabled(computer-integrated) system for designing and manufacturing modularizedholographic laser scanning systems according to the principles of thepresent invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a tree-type informationstructure used to display which modules and subcomponents have beenselected from Inventory Library or the Design Library of the Web-enabledsystem during the design of the modularized holographic laser scannersaccording to the principles of the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of an information display structureused to display information models of modules and subcomponents from theInventory Library and the Design Library of the system during the designof the modularized holographic laser scanners according to theprinciples of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODE EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENTINVENTION

Referring to the figures in the accompanying Drawings, the method andsystem for designing and manufacturing laser scanning systems of modulardesign and construction will be described in great detail.

As shown in FIG. 1, the system of the preferred embodiment isimplemented over a globally-based information network, such as theInternet supporting the World Wide Web using hypertext transmissionprotocol (HTTP) and the hypertext markup language (HTML) well known inthe art. The infrastructure of the Internet, HTTP, HTML, Web clients andWeb servers are described in detail in the following InternationalApplications: International Application No. PCT/US97/21975, entitled“SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACCESSING INTERNET-BASED INFORMATION RESOURCES BYSCANNING JAVA-APPLET ENCODED BAR CODE SYMBOLS,” filed Nov. 24, 1997;International Application No. PCT/US97/21443. entitled “SYSTEM ANDMETHOD FOR CARRYING OUT INFORMATION-RELATED TRANSACTIONS USING WEBDOCUMENTS EMBODYING TRANSACTION-ENABLING APPLETS AUTOMATICALLY LAUNCHEDAND EXECUTED TO READING URL-ENCODED SYMBOLS,” filed Nov. 24, 1997; andInternational Application No.: PCT/US97/21970, entitled “BAR CODE SYMBOLDRIVEN SYSTEMS FOR ACCESSING INFORMATION RESOURCES ON THE INTERNET”filed Nov. 24, 1997, each being incorporated herein by reference.

As indicated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the end-user (e.g. customer), consideringthe purchase of a laser scanning system, with a particular applicationin mind, uses a Web-enabled client computer system 1 in order to visitthe Manufacturer's Web-site which is designed to support thespecification, purchase, manufacture and delivery of custom-built laserscanners in accordance with the method of the present invention. Themanufacturer's Web-site can be hosted upon any suitable Internet (i.e.HTTP) Server 2 running HTTP, with a TCP/IP link to an Internet ServiceProvider (ISP) 3 connected to the infrastructure of the Internet 4. Asshown in FIG. 2, a back-end Database System 3 and an Electronic CommerceServer 4 are interfaced with the Internet Server 2 by way of ahigh-speed local area network (LAN), situated behind a secure firewallconstructed in a manner known in the art. As will be explained ingreater detail hereinafter, the function of the Database Server 3 is tosupport the automated generation of complete models (i.e. optical,engineering, 3-D graphical, cost, production and like models) formodularized laser-based scanning systems in response to scanningrequirements provided to the Manufacturer's Web site by end-users (e.g.prospective customers). The function of the Electronic Commerce Server 4is to support secured credit-card transactions and the like for thepurchase of a designed laser scanning system on which a particular quotewas computed and transmitted by the Database Server 3.

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, theManufacturer's Web site should include a collection of HTML Forms, andone or more CGI scripts, particularly designed to cooperate with theback-end (web-enabled) Database System 3 and Web-enabled client systems1 remotely situated anywhere in the world having Internet access.Preferrably, the back-end Database System 3 is constsructed/programmedto support the automated generation of a complete model of laserscanning systems capable of satisfying the specified scanningrequirements of a wide range of end-users.

As indicated at Block A in FIG. 3, the first step of the method of thepresent invention involves the end-user (e.g. prospective customer)using a client computer system 1 to access the Manufacturer's Websiteand to provide a specification of the end-user's scanning requirements,e.g.: the resolution of the smallest bar code element expected to bescanned; the speed at which bar codes are expected to move within thescanning field (or volume); the depth of the scanning field (or volume)required by the application; the dimensions of the scanning field (orvolume) required by the application, etc. These parameters, as well asthe e-mail address of the customer making the scanner design inquiry,are provided to the Database System 3 by way of HTML forms that aregenerated by CGI scripts running on the Web Server 2.

At indicated at Block B in FIG. 3, the second step of the methodinvolves the Database System 3 using the information contained in theseHTML forms, as well as the models and information contained therewithin,to generate a complete model of a laser scanner which will satisfy theend-user scanning requirements provided to the Database SystemPreferably, the scanner design process is completely automated by theDatabase System 3 and its automated design and testing procedures andtherefore requires little or no input on part of optical engineers, inthat all know-how, models, design procedures and the like are embodiedwith the scanner design programs running on Database System 3. Dependingon various factors, design process could takes minutes or hours. It isunderstood, however, that one or more HSD workstations 231, as shown inFIG. 7, can be used to carry out scanner designs that are notautomatable within Database System 3. Models of scanners, subcomponents,modules and subassemblies generated on workstations 231 during scannerdesign processes can be transferred to Database Management System(DBMS2) 232 for use within Database System 3, shown in FIG. 2. Thisaspect of the method hereof will be described in greater detailhereinafter.

Typically, Database System 3 will automatically carry out one or morescanner performance procedures on each scanner model generated in orderto test whether the generated scanner design meets the scanningrequirements set by the end-user. When it has determined that suchscanning requirements are met by a particular design (sometimesrequiring several reiterations), the Database System 3 then uses costmodels, bill of material (BOM) lists, assembly schedules and the like,to arrive at a cost for a given quantity of the designed laser scannerproduct, as indicated at Block C in FIG. 3. Thereafter, the price quotealong with its terms and conditions is transmitted to the e-mail addressof the prospective customer who placed the Scanner Design Request. EachScanner Design generated by the Database System 3 in response to aparticular Scanner Design Request is assigned a unique DesignIdentification Number (DIN) so that future reference can be accuratelymade thereto by the Manufacturer and prospective customer alike.Optionally, the Manufacturer can provide the prospective customer withan access code enabling the prospective customer to view a complete 3-Dcomputer-graphic simulation of the designed laser scanning system,generated from the Manufacturer's Web site and viewer by the prospectivecustomer using a conventional browser program (e.g. Netscape Navigatoror Microsoft Internet Explorer). The scanner simulation may be realizedusing Virtual Reality Modelling Language (VRML) or other suitablegraphical display techniques particularly adapted for use over theInternet. Alternatively, scanner simulations can be recorded on CD ROMdiscs which can be sent to the prospective customer for analysis priorto purchase.

As indicated at Block D in FIG. 3, if satisfied with the delivered laserscanner design in the form of a computer-based model, the prospectivecustomer (located anywhere in the world) may purchase the correspondinglaser scanning system in accordance with the terms and conditions of thetransmitted quote. This purchase can be carried out electronically byway of a secured electronic transaction supported by Electronic CommerceServer 4, shown in FIG. 2. All documentation relating to the purchaseand delivery of the laser scanner order is carried out electronicallyusing Web-enabled electronic data interchange (EDI) between the partiesinvolved in the purchase transaction.

As indicated at Block E in FIG. 3, after the purchase order has beenmade, the customer may then track the progress of the laser scanningsystem order during the various stages of its manufacture. Such trackingcan be carried out by way of HTML forms displayed from theManufacturer's Web site. For example, each purchaser can be providedwith a tracking number that can entered into a suitable HTML formdisplayed on a client system 1, requesting status information acquiredby the manufacturing system 234 and supplied to Database System 3 orother server. The HTML form is sent to the Database System 3 (or otherserver) via a CGI in order to access up-to-date information on thestatus of the order (as well as portions thereof). The obtainedinformation is then displayed by the browser of the customer seekingsuch status information.

As indicated at Block F in FIG. 3, when manufactured, tested andpackaged, the laser scanners are shipped to the location specified bythe customer, and during shipping, may also be tracked either by way ofthe Manufacturer's Website or by way of its shipping agent responsiblefor the delivery of the finished scanner product.

The process of acquiring user-specified scanning requirements,automatic/semi-automatic generation of laser scanner designs (i.e.models), electronic purchase of scanner product, tracking and the likecan be realized using various technologies, including Javascript, wellknown in the Internet and Web arts.

In the illustrative embodiments, custom-design/built laser scanningsystems are realized using holographic laser scanning mechanisms andhigh-speed scan data processors as taught in Applicant's InternationalApplication No. PCT/US96/20525, published under the Patent CooperationTreaty as International Publication No. WO 97/22945, hereby incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety. It is understood, however, thatother non-holographic enabling technologies based on light reflectionand/or refraction made be used to practice the present invention withacceptable results.

One of the advantages of using holographic scanning technology toproduce customized laser scanners is that one can easily generate 3-Dscanning volumes and scanning patterns particularly tailored to a widerange of customer needs. Notably, the holographic laser scanner ofmodular construction shown in FIG. 4, and detailed in Applicant'sInternational Application No. PCT/US96/20525, can be used to meet theneeds of a wide class of customers quickly and in a highlycost-effective manner. Custom-designed (and built) laser scanners can bedesigned from this, as well as from other basic configurations, usingthe highly flexible scanner design method disclosed in InternationalApplication No. PCT/US96/20525). From this basic architecture,holographic laser scanners of modular design and construction havingdiverse scanning characteristics, matched to the end-user scanningrequirements, can be rapidly designed and manufactured for shipment.

In FIG. 5, an exemplary holographic laser scanner of modularconstruction 200 is shown comprising a number (i.e. six) of predesigned(preassembled) modules, namely: an optical-bench/housing module M1comprising, as subcomponents, an optical bench 201, a wrap-around case202 and a housing cover 203 with output scanning window 204, speaker 205and LEDs 206 and 207; a holographic scanning-disc/photodetector moduleM2 comprising, as subcomponents, a holographic laser scanning disc 208,a scanning motor 209, photodetector/signal processing boards 210Athrough 120E, and a motor/board mounting assembly 211; a plurality ofscanning station modules M3 comprising, as subcomponents, a laser beamproduction module 212A through 212E (for scan data channels A through E,respectively), base plate therefor 213A through 213E, output beamfolding mirror 214A through 214E and adjustable support bracket 215Athrough 215E, and parabolic light collection mirror 216A through 216E,for mounting onto optical bench 201, adjacent to the corresponding baseplate using a pair of screws of light fasteners; a digital signalprocessing and I/O module M4 comprising, as subcomponents, a CPUmotherboard 217 with power supply, five CPUs for decode processing, I/Ocircuitry and the like.

In the illustrative embodiment, optical-bench 201 has a first set ofpreformed holes 218 for receiving the ends of support posts 219associated with the motor/board mounting assembly 211, and a second setof preformed holes 220 for jointly mounting base plate 213 andadjustable support bracket 215. The size and dimensions of the opticalbench will typically be selected to accommodate a holographic scanningdisc having a maximum diameter (e.g., 8.66 inches). In such embodiments,scanning discs of smaller diameter (e.g., 6.0 inches or smaller) couldbe accommodated on such an optical bench, although the rationale fordoing so, when a smaller size optical bench is available, is notcertain. The size and dimensions of support bracket 215 are designed sothat any one of a variety of output beam folding mirrors 214 can bemounted thereto using adhesive or the like in order to meet thespecifications and performance characteristics of the holographic laserscanner under design. Optionally, optical bench 201 can have severalsets of preformed mounting holes so that a different number ofscanning-disc/photodetector modules M2 can be easily mounted to theoptical bench, in order to provide the scanner designer with the optionof designing various types of scanners having different number of outputscan data channels, while using the same optical bench.

In the illustrative embodiment, a wrap-around case 202 can be made ofmetal, plastic or fiberglass and be available in a variety of heights(e.g., 4.0 inches, 5.0 inches, etc.) depending on the design at hand.The housing cover 203 is generally matched with the optical bench, andis designed to be used with a variety of cases of different height, asdescribed above.

In some design applications, the holographic laser scanning disc 208 canbe treated as a modularized component which is predesigned,premanufactured and available out of inventory for use in the design andconstruction of any particular scanner. In such instances, a number ofpredesigned/premanufactured scanning discs can be stored in inventoryand used to construct various types of holographic scanner designs.While the laser beam scanning and light collection properties of eachsuch inventoried scanning disc will remain substantially the same ineach scanner in which it is employed, the resulting scanning volume andscanning pattern can be changed from design to design by using differentmodules and subcomponents, as will be explained in greater detailhereinafter.

It is also understood that in many applications, it will be desirable ornecessary to custom design the holographic scanning disc using the fixedand variable parameters associated with the selected modules,subcomponents (e.g. preconstructed “master” HOE-based scanningelements), and end-user design specifications. In such instances, thedisc design methods and procedures described hereinabove can be used todesign scanning systems having minimized height dimensions,omnidirectional scanning volumes, and the like.

By taking into account design parameters such as the minimum bar widthto be read, the effective width of the scan pattern, the scan-lineoverlap, the overall depth of field, the maximum and minimum readingdistances, the speed of the items passing through the scan region, etc.,one can design a family of laser scanners based on a minimum number ofholographic master scanning elements. By selecting the propercombination of these scanning elements, one can create a wide variety ofscanners with a broad range of capabilities. Trade-offs can be madebetween depth of field and scan pattern repetition rate, for example; orbetween resolution and scan pattern repetition rate; or between scanpattern width and scan pattern repetition rate. etc. The trade-offswould be made to optimize the scanner for a particular customer'sapplication.

Ideally, any combination of holographic facets with any combination offacet parameters is attainable using the design method of the presentinvention. For purposes of illustration, a suitable disc design methodfor producing an “XXBar” scan pattern using six scanning stations (i.e.VLDs) would involve first considering the broadest possible range ofscanner requirements that must be satisfied or that one desires tosatisfy. Thereafter, a number of holographic master facets (HOEs) aredesigned that will satisfy all of these requirements when used in theproper combinations. The number of facets required will, on the whole,be relatively small. While the 20 or so basic master holograms will becreated using facet focal lengths, diffraction angles and areasestablished by the requirements of the scan pattern, the facet areas andthe mirror angles and configurations in each individual scanner must bedetermined from the application requirements, using facet focal lengthsand diffraction angles that are already established.

These master facets can be placed in a web, or in a master-facet sourcehousing, in order to produce a master scanning disc for any particulardesign. The web is a circular array of apertures in which the masterholograms are placed. The web is rotated so that each individual masterhologram is placed at the proper location on the copy disk just prior toexposure. The master-facet source housing can be constructed as a largeopen container having individual cells containing the master facetholograms. A mechanical picking device can be used to select from thehousing, the facet to be exposed at any particular time during the discmanufacture process. This facet would be placed by the picking elementat the proper exposure position over the unexposed copy disk just priorto exposure.

The web approach is simpler and would be the preferred method when thenumber of master facets is reasonably small, 24 or less. Thehousing/picker approach is more complex but may be preferable when thenumber of master elements is much larger than 24. In both methods, thecomputer selects each individual master facet for each exposure of eachfacet on the copy disk. The selection is based on the particular designselected for the customer's application. No matter which method is used,some means must be provided for varying the size and shape of the faceton the copy disk. Therefore, some mechanism must be created to provide avariable mask for the copy exposure process.

Depending upon the design requirements, different scanning motors 209(having different rotational speeds—RPMs—) can be selected for use indesigning different types of holographic laser scanners.Photodetector/signal processing boards 210 (having different bandwidthcharacteristics, different analog signal processing thresholds,different signal gain constants, different SNR levels, etc.) can also beselected for use in designing different types of holographic laserscanners. The motor/board mounting assembly 211 attached to the opticalbench selected (e.g., 8.66 or 6.00 inch scanning disc) like the casing202 and housing cover 203.

In general, the adjustable support bracket 215 and base plate 214 uponwhich the laser beam production module is mounted, can be realized as auniversal bracket subassembly that is utilizable in a very broad rangeof scanner designs, independent of the diameter of the scanning discsemployed. It is understood, however, that it will be desirable todesign, make and inventory many different laser beam production moduledesigns for use in different kinds of holographic scanning systems underdesign. Such laser beam production modules can be designed to producestigmatic laser beams having different aspect ratios, and focaldistances for use in different scanner designs in order to meet theoperational and performance characteristics thereof, including, forexample: the resolution of the smallest bar code element expected to bescanned; the speed at which bar codes are expected to move within thescanning field (or volume); the depth of the scanning field (or volume)required by the application (e.g. scanning distance); the dimensions ofthe scanning field (or volume) required by the application (i.e.scanning volume characteristics); scanning beam aspect ratio; scanningbeam polarization-state; specified code symbol resolution at a specifiedscanning distance(s); bar code substrate characteristics and printquality characteristics; and the like.

Preferably, the parabolic mirror 216 associated with each scanningstation module M3 is directly mounted to the optical bench by a pair ofscrews of like fasteners. This component will be designed to satisfy thelight collection requirements of the widest holographic facet on thelargest diameter scanning disc able to be accommodated by the selectedhousing, and while utilizing the minimum amount of space possibletherebeneath. Once designed and manufactured, the focal length of theparabolic mirror will be fixed, determining where the correspondingphotodetector board must be positioned above the scanning disc. While itis possible to design, make and inventory a number of parabolic mirrorshaving different light collection surface areas and focal lengths, itmay be desirable in many applications to stock a single parabolic mirrordesign. In such a case, the parabolic mirror subcomponent will bematched to the motor/board mounting assembly 211 and the support posts219 which depend therefrom.

From the point of design flexibility, it would be desirable to use asingle output mirror design having the largest possible width and heightdimensions. However, this approach certainly has its drawbacks. Thus, inmany instances, it will make sense to elect an output mirror havingdifferent height and width characteristics for use in a particularscanner design. By doing so, the scanner designer will be able tominimize manufacturing costs and overall scanner weight, whileincreasing the total available volume within the scanner housing for theinternal mounting of auxiliary components.

An important feature of the mirror support bracket 215 is that it isprovided within a hinge or like mechanism that allows the plane of themirror to be adjusted with respect to the optical bench. As shown inFIG. 5, the adjustable mirror support bracket allows the scanner designparameter φ to be a variable in the custom disc design process of thepresent invention. In geometrical terms, this support bracket assemblyallows the output mirrors to be reconfigured (e.g., tilted) in any givensystem design so as to achieve 3-D scanning pattern and light collectioncharacteristics required by the scanning system specified by the enduser.

Preferably, a number of different digital signal processing and decodeboards 217 would be designed, manufactured and inventoried in order tosatisfy the scanner design requirements for a wide range ofapplications. Certain boards would support three CPUs, while otherboards support five or more CPUs. Some boards could be provided withspecial decoding algorithms, I/O interfaces, low-speed scanner inputoptions, and the like.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, these basicmodules and subcomponents are used in conjunction with thecomputer-integrated design and manufacturing system shown in FIG. 6 inorder to efficiently design and inexpensively manufacture a wide rangeof holographic laser scanners having performance characteristicsuniquely tailored to the needs of particular end-users.

As shown in FIG. 6, the system of the present invention is realized as anetwork of computer systems comprising: a first database managementsystem (BDBMS1) 230 for storing and managing information model relatingto the inventory of modules, submodules (subcomponents) available withinthe system; one or more holographic scanner design (HSD) computerworkstations 231 for designing holographic laser scanners, subsystemsand subcomponents thereof according to the principles of the presentinvention; a second database management system (DBMS2) 232 for storingand managing information models (e.g., 2-D, 3-D geometrical models,geometrical optics models, analytical models, etc.) about modules andsubcomponent designs obtained from the HSD workstations; a networkinformation server (computer system) 233 for storing and serving thedatabase information models (comprises of information files of varioussorts) maintained by DMS1 and DBMS2 so that other computer systemswithin network can access such models whenever needed; and a system 234for manufacturing holographic laser scanners using the designs andmodels stored in the network information server 233. Holographic laserscanners manufactured using the CIM system hereof are then sold anddistributed using a sales, marketing and distribution system 235 of themanufacturer's choice. Each of these computer-based systems can belocated at different locations throughout the world, and thus could beinterconnected by way of a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet.If the systems are located in close proximity, then they could beinterconnected by a local area network (LAN), depending on the needs ofthe manufacturer. In the illustrative embodiment, each of the computersystems in the network supports the Windows NT Operating System (OS) byMicroSoft Corporation, of Redmond, Calif., and the network protocolTCP/IP.

Notably, information files maintained with database systems 232 and 230that are required for scanner design generation (at the Manufacturer'sWeb site) are made available to Database System 3 shown in FIG. 2, byway of network server 233 shown in FIGS. 2 and 7. In the illustrativeembodiment, network server 233 is realized as an ftp server and isconnected to an ISP 3 for Web-enablement and selected information filesharing over the Internet using, for example, file transfer protocol(ftp).

The relational database management systems DBMS1 and DBMS2 can berealized using a commercially available relational database systemdevelopment program such as, for example, 4D Version 6.0 from ACI US,Inc., Access™ from MicroSoft Corporation, SQL from Sybase, Inc., etc.The function of DBMS1 is to maintain an “Inventory Library” that tracksand manages the inventory of manufactured modules and subcomponents thathave been either placed into inventory or removed therefrom to satisfyproduction requirements. Bar code indexing/tracking techniques can beused to carry out this subsystem in a manner well known in the partinventory management art. The function of DBMS2 is to store and managemodule and subcomponent designs that have been previously designed inconnection with other holographic scanner designs that may or may nothave ever been manufactured.

The HSD workstations 231 can be realized in the manner described ingreat detail hereinabove. In connection therewith, it should be notedthat HSD workstations used in the design of the mechanical components ofthe holographic scanners will have 3-D CAD modelling tools (e.g.,AUTOCAD) well known in the art.

The manufacturing system 234 will typically include CNC machine tools,robots, pick-and place machines, assembly fixtures, assembly lines, andthe like. While structures, elements and processes are generally wellknown in the art, they will expectedly vary from embodiment toembodiment of the system hereof. Notwithstanding this fact, thesubsystems thereof will be generally configured in accordance with therequirements of the designs provided by the HSD workstations describedabove.

In FIG. 6, a generalized method of designing and manufacturingholographic laser scanners using the Web-enabled CIM system of thepresent invention is illustrated. As indicated at Block A thereof, thefirst stage of the method involves using DBMS1 to create a relationaldatabase model (i.e. DBM1) for constructed laser scanner modules andsubcomponents available in inventory. The second stage of the methodinvolves using DBMS2 to create a relational database model (i.e. DBM2)for laser scanner modules and subcomponent designs that have beenpreviously created during the design of other holographic laserscanners. Notably, DBM2 provides the Design Library with geometricalmodels, geometrical-optical models, and/or analytical models of modulesand subcomponents of holographic laser scanners of modular construction.The third stage of the method involves maintaining mirror images of therelational database models DBM1 and DBM2 on the Information NetworkServer 233. By doing so, each HSD workstation and manufacturingworkstation and computer system within the manufacturing system isprovided access to the information stored therein over the globalinformation network, as needed or desired.

As indicated at Block D, the next stage of the method involves designinga holographic laser scanner on one or more HSD workstations usinginventory and design information stored on the Information NetworkServer. In this alternative embodiment of the design process of thepresent invention, each HSD work station is preferably provided withseveral computer-software “tools” that facilitate the design ofholographic laser scanners of modular construction, namely: an InventoryDisplay Tool (e.g., client program) for displaying which modules andsubcomponents are available in the Inventory Library, in whatquantities, at what cost, etc,; a Design Display Tool (e.g., clientprogram) for displaying which module designs and subcomponent designshave been previously created and are available for downloading from theInformation Network Server; and a Module/Subcomponent Selection Tool(e.g., client program) for selecting which modules and subcomponents inInventory Library DBM1) or from the Design Library (DBM2) will be usedin designing a holographic laser scanner of modular construction.

When the Database System 3 (or scanner designer) uses theModule/Subcomponent Selection Tool, a Holographic Scanner Design TreeStructure as shown in FIG. 7 is analyzed by Database System 3 (ordisplayed on the graphical user interface (GUI) of the HSD workstationfor analysis by the scanner designer). Underlying this graphical treestructure is an information structure (e.g., relational database model)that stores the various information files associated with each of themodules and submodules (I.e., subcomponents) of the “modularized”holographic laser scanner under design. This structure can be viewed asa “System Model” for the holographic scanner under design. While eachholographic laser scanner will have generally the same systemarchitecture, the particular modules and subcomponent structure thereofcan and will vary from scanner design to scanner design. Thesubcomponent structure of a given design will depend on which modulesand subcomponents selected during the design process. The DatabaseSystem 3 (or scanner designer) can access the Network Information Server233 and use the Inventory Display Tool to determine which particularmodules and submodules (subcomponents) are in the manufacturer'sinventory, what the present cost of their manufacture is, theiravailability, etc. The Database System 3 (or holographic scannerdesigner) can access the Network Information Server 233 and use theDesign Display Tool to determine which particular modules andsubcomponents have been previously designed during previous scannerdesign projects, that may be useful in the present design.

When the Design Display Tool is launched from Database System 3 (or HSDworkstation 231), information models of the modules and subcomponents inthe DBM2 can be reviewed and analyzed. An exemplary display screen isset forth in FIG. 8. In this display screen, the modules of a previousscanner design (“Design A”) are indicated by M1A, M, M3A and M4A. Thesubcomponents of module M1A are indicated by M1A1, M1A2, M1A3, and M1A4.The subcomponents of module M are indicated by M1, M2, M3, M4, and M5.The subcomponents of module M3A are indicated by M3A1, M3A2, M3A3, andM4A4. While not shown in this display screen, each subcomponent containsdetailed information about its design, specifications and performancecharacteristics which can be readily displayed by simply clicking on thedisplay cell associated with the subcomponent. Understandably, thegraphical user interface of this design tool (i.e., program) will varyfrom embodiment to embodiment of the present invention.

Based on the specifications and expected cost of the module designsdisplayed using the Design Disciple Tool, the Database System 3 (orscanner designer) can determine which designs are best suited for use inthe present scanner design project. When the Database System 3 (orscanner designer) finds a certain module or subcomponent satisfactory tothe design requirements, then the module or subcomponent can be selectedas follows: (1) employing the Design Display Tool (or its functionalequivalant) to select the module or subcomponent design from the DesignLibrary (e.g., by “clicking on” the graphical icon thereof); (2)constructing/generating the Holographic Scanner Design Tree Structure;(3) “dragging” the selected icon of the module or subcomponent designover to the Holographic Scanner Design Tree Structure; and (4)“dropping” it onto the module or subcomponent location of the TreeStructure where the selection is to be achieved. Each time such a dragand drop operation is carried out (manually by scanner designer, or inan automated manner by Database System 3), the diverse information filesassociated with the selected module or subcomponent are automaticallytransferred from the Internet Network Server 233 to the informationstructure underlying the Holographic Scanner Design Tree Structure(stored in either the HSD workstation or Database System 3, as the casemay be).

When the Inventory Display Tool is launched, information models of themodules and subcomponents in the DBM1 can be reviewed.

Preferably, to provide a unified approach to the scanner design process,the display screen shown in FIG. 8 is also used to display inventoriedmodules and subcomponents. However, to distinguish between module andsubcomponent designs in the Design Library from manufactured modules andsubcomponents in Inventory Library, graphical indications (or colorcoding techniques) should be employed to make clear what modules andsubcomponents are in the Inventory Library and what modules andsubcomponents are only in the Display Library (and not manufactured).Alternative techniques for displaying such models will occur to thoseskilled in the art upon having the benefit of the present disclosure.

Based on specifications, availability, and actual cost figures for themodules and subcomponents displayed using the Inventory Display Tool,the scanner designer can determine which designs are best suited for usein the present scanner design project, in a manner describedhereinabove. When the designer finds a certain module or subcomponentsatisfactory to the design requirements, then module or subcomponentselection can occur as follows: (1) employ the Inventory Display Tool(or its functional equivalent) to select the module or subcomponentdesign from Inventory database system DBMS1 (e.g., by “clicking on” onthe graphical icon thereof); (2) generate the Holographic Scanner DesignTree Structure; (3) “drag” the selected icon of the module orsubcomponent design over to the Holographic Scanner Design TreeStructure; and (4) “drop” it onto the module or subcomponent location ofthe Tree Structure where the selection is to be achieved. Each time sucha drag and drop operation is carried out (manually by scanner designer,or in an automated manner by Database System 3), the diverse informationfiles associated with the selected module or subcomponent areautomatically transferred from the Internet Network Server to theinformation structure underlying the Holographic Scanner Design TreeStructure (stored in either in the HSD workstation or Database System 3as the case may be).

Using the Design and Inventory Display Tools, in conjunction with theHolographic Scanner Design Tree Structure of the present invention, abasic model for the holographic laser scanner under design can bearrived at with minimum effort. Notably, however, not all of thesubcomponents can be selected during this stage of design if one desiresto optimize the scanner design in the various ways described inInternational Application No. PCT/US96/20525. In such cases whereoptimization is desired, it will be necessary to defer the selection ofparticular subcomponents (e.g., the housing casing which determines theheight of the scanner; the beam folding mirrors which also determine theheight of the scanner housing; etc.) until the design process iscompleted. The basic model would have a number of fixed scannerparameters set by the selection of the particular modules andsubcomponents. Other parameters will be set by the designer based onHeuristics and experience. The variables in the system design can bedetermined by employing the geometrical and analytical modellingtechniques hereinbefore described to arrive at optimized values for suchsystem variables. Once these parameters have been determined, thedesigner can go back to the Information Network Server 233 and selectsubcomponents that satisfy the optimized parameters. Thereafter theDatabase System 3 (or scanner designer) can update the HolographicScanner Design Tree Structure (i.e., scanner system model) and thus, themodel of the scanner under design. At the end of the design process, acomplete set of construction parameters will have been generated for usein manufacturing “optimized” holographic scanning discs in a mannerdescribed hereinabove.

As indicated at Block E, after the holographic scanner design has beenfinalized, the information models comprising the same can be used toupdate the Design Library (DBM2) as required, thereby increasing thedesign capabilities of the system.

At Block F, the modules and subcomponents (e.g., scanning disc) aremanufactured according to the finalized holographic scanner design. Thenbased on production activity, the module and subcomponent InventoryLibrary (DBM1) is periodically updated to track the status of themanufacturer's inventory.

As indicated at Block G, the finalized holographic laser scanner designis assembled, its parameters configured, and its performance tested asdescribed hereinabove.

In the design process described above, the holographic scanning disc wasconsidered a subcomponent characterized by having several variables thatare determined by application of the design procedures of the presentinvention. It might be desirable, however in some applications, topredesign and inventory a number of scanning disc designs for selectionduring the design process, much like the parabolic light collectionmirror, subcomponent M3A3, in the display screen of FIG. 8. In otherembodiments, it will be preferable to custom design the HoEs on theholographic scanning disc, in order to exploit the advantages of thevarious design optimization procedures disclosed herein. However, evenin such embodiments, the size of the scanning disc plates (e.g., 8.66 or6.00 inches in diameter) will be a subcomponent that the designer willnecessarily select during the preliminary design stage of the designprocess for modularized holographic scanners using the Inventory andDesign Library databases described above.

In other embodiments, it will be preferable to custom design the entireholographic scanning system in order to meet the specifications andrequirements of a particular end user.

While the various embodiments of the laser scanner hereof have beendescribed in connection with linear (1-D) and 2-D code symbol scanningapplications, it should be clear, however, that the scanning apparatusand methods of the present invention are equally suited for scanningalphanumeric characters (e.g., textual information) in optical characterrecognition (OCR) applications, as well as for scanning graphical imagesin graphical scanning arts.

Several modifications to the illustrative embodiments have beendescribed above. It is understood, however, that various othermodifications to the illustrative embodiment of the present inventionwill readily occur to persons with ordinary skill in the art. All suchmodifications and variations are deemed to be within the scope andspirit of the present invention as defined by the accompanying Claims toInvention.

1. An Internet-enabled method for designing and purchasing an opticalcode reading system, comprising the steps: (a) hosting on a programmedInternet information server, a Website capable of supporting aninteractive procedure; (b) using a client computer system having a Webbrowser program, to enable a prospective customer to transmit end-usersystem specifications for a particular optical code reading system, tosaid Website during said interactive procedure; (c) assigning a uniquecustomer request number to said prospective customer; (d) designing anoptical code reading system based on said transmitted end-user systemspecifications; and (e) computing a price quotation based on a finalizeddesign for said optical code reading system.
 2. The Internet-enabledmethod of claim 1, which further comprises: (f) transmitting said pricequotation to said prospective customer of said optical code readingsystem.
 3. The Internet-enabled method of claim 2, which furthercomprises: (g) using an electronic commerce server for supportingsecured electronic commerce transactions and enabling said prospectivecustomer to electronically transmit a purchase order on said finalizeddesign for said optical code reading system.
 4. The Internet-enabledmethod of claim 3, which further comprises: (h) enabling saidperspective customer to track the progress of said ordered optical codereading system during its various stages of manufacture using saidWebsite.
 5. The Internet-enabled method of claim 1, wherein saidend-user system specifications are satisfied by said finalized designcomprising models of modularized subcomponents and subassemblies.
 6. TheInternet-enabled method of claim 1, wherein said optical code readingsystem is a bar code reading system.
 7. An Internet-based method ofdesigning an optical code reading system comprising the steps: (a) usinga client computer system to access a manufacturer's Website andproviding to said manufacturer's Website a specification of anend-user's requirements; and (b) using said specification to generate amodel of a designed optical code reading system which satisfies saidend-user's requirements, said model generation involving the use of abar code scanner design workstation and database management systemcontaining a library of design specifications for predesigned modulesand subcomponents of one or more previously designed optical codereading systems.
 8. The Internet-based method of claim 7, which furthercomprises: (c) using said generated model to compute a price quotationfor a given quantity of said designed optical code reading system, andtransmitting said price quotation along with its terms and conditions toa prospective customer.
 9. The Internet-based method of claim 7, whichfurther comprises: providing said prospective customer with an accesscode enabling the prospective customer to view a complete 3-Dcomputer-graphic simulation of the designed optical code reading system,generated from said manufacturer's Website and viewable by theprospective customer using a Web browser program.
 10. TheInternet-enabled method of claim 8, which further comprises: purchasingsaid designed optical code reading system using an electronic commercetransaction process supported by an electronic commerce server.
 11. TheInternet-based method of claim 10, which further comprises: providingsaid prospective customer with a CD ROM disc whereon is recorded acomputer-graphic simulation of said model of said designed optical codereading system.
 12. The Internet-enabled method claim 7, wherein saidoptical code reading system is a bar code reading system.
 13. AnInternet-enabled system for designing an optical code reading systemcomprising: an Internet information server for hosting a Website; and aclient computer system for accessing said Website and providing theretoa specification of an end-user's requirements for an optical codereading system; wherein said Internet information server uses saidspecification to generate a model of an optical code reading systemdesign which satisfies said end-user's requirements.
 14. TheInternet-enabled system of claim 13, which further comprises: a computersystem for computing a price quote for a given quantity of product basedon said bar code scanning system design, and using said Internetinformation server to transmit said price quote along with its terms andconditions to a prospective customer.
 15. An Internet-enabled system ofclaim 14, wherein said Internet information server provides saidprospective customer with an access code enabling the prospectivecustomer to view a complete 3-D computer-graphic simulation of theoptical code reading system design, generated from said Website andviewable by the prospective customer using a Web browser program. 16.The Internet-enabled system of claim 14, which further comprises: meansfor providing said prospective customer with a CD ROM disc whereon isrecorded a computer-graphic simulation of said optical code readingsystem design.
 17. The Internet-based system of claim 14, which furthercomprises: means for purchasing said product-based on said optical codereading system design using an electronic commerce transaction supportedby an electronic commerce server.
 18. The Internet-enabled method ofclaim 13, wherein said optical code reading system is a bar code readingsystem.